The discussion revolves around determining the appropriate weight to apply to a horizontally mounted post to achieve a specified wind load of 0.42 kN/m². Participants are exploring the implications of this load in the context of a testing setup for a product, specifically a delineator post.
Some participants have provided insights into the nature of the loading and the importance of safety in the testing process. There is an ongoing exploration of how to calculate the required weight based on the surface area of the post and the wind load specified in the British standard. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being discussed, particularly regarding the area calculations and the application method of the load.
Participants note that the British standard referenced may require specific interpretations and that the details of the test setup, including the method of hanging the weight, are crucial for accurate results. There is also mention of the difficulty in acquiring the full standard document, which may limit access to complete guidelines.
You have a force distributed over an area, something equivalent to a pressure.Darryl Meek said:Homework Statement
How do I determine what weight gives 0.42kN/m²?
I have been asked to set up a test for a product as follows;
a) mount a post horizontally on a wall
b) apply a load corresponding to 0.42kN/m² at the centre of the post.
What weight do I hang off of the post to give this load?
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
SteamKing said:You have a force distributed over an area, something equivalent to a pressure.
It's not clear what kind of product you are testing. Applying this type of load to a post implies you are testing the post itself. Since this test apparently involves the use of a port which is cantilevered from a wall, you should check to connection of the post to the wall and the strength of the post itself, before mounting or hanging anything. Safety first.
I suggest you ask for further clarification from whoever asked to set up this test.
In addition, the test is specified in a British standard. BSI will not comment on the standards content. They just say it's down to interpretation.Darryl Meek said:Sorry! It was a bit vague. You're right, safety first. I assure you that this will be a safe test. The product is a Ø60 tube made from HDPE but has a polyurethane base. It measures 900mm long. The test is to hang the weight on the centre of the post for 120 seconds and then remove the load before measuring the temporary deflection of the post. I'm just not sure how to calculate the weight to hang at the half way point of the post in order to achieve 0.42kN/m²
Regardless of whether this figure is in a British Standard or whatever, this doesn't change the nature of the loading; it's still a force distributed over an area, something which difficult to achieve by simply hanging a weight on a tube. What are the details of how the weight is to be hung from the tube? Are you using hooks, a strap, what? Which British Standard are you trying to satisfy?Darryl Meek said:In addition, the test is specified in a British standard. BSI will not comment on the standards content. They just say it's down to interpretation.
SteamKing said:Regardless of whether this figure is in a British Standard or whatever, this doesn't change the nature of the loading; it's still a force distributed over an area, something which difficult to achieve by simply hanging a weight on a tube. What are the details of how the weight is to be hung from the tube? Are you using hooks, a strap, what? Which British Standard are you trying to satisfy?
Except 0.6318 m2 is 63.18% of 1 m2 [you move the decimal point over two places to the right to convert to percentage.]Darryl Meek said:OK. Here's my attempt.
Surface area of my post is 0.6318m²
0.6318m² is 6.318% of 1m²
If 1 kN/m² = 100 kg/m² then 0.42kN/m² = 42kg/m²
Therefore, 6.318% of 42kg = Application load for 0.6318m² surface area = 2.65kg